New Documentary Will Chronicle Story of Defrocked Pa. Pastor Frank Schaefer
![Schaefer stands in front of Zion United Methodist Church of Iona in South Lebanon Township.](https://cdn10.phillymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/frank-schaefer-gay-marriage.png)
Schaefer stands in front of Zion United Methodist Church of Iona in South Lebanon Township.
Producer Kate Logan (Kidnapped For Christ) recently started a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary that would tell the story of Frank Schaefer, the Pennsylvania United Methodist minister who was defrocked late last year for officiating the same-sex marriage of his son. Here’s a clip from the Huffington Post in which the film’s director Scott Sheppard talks about what inspired the project, called An Act of Love, and how he hopes it will help:
Like Pastor Frank, my father was also a small-town United Methodist minister … I saw my own father go through struggles at our churches when he stood up for what he believed was right, even if it wasn’t popular with the congregation. So when I heard about Pastor Frank’s trial (before he was defrocked), I immediately understood where he was coming from. I reached out to him about making a documentary and he agreed that it was a good idea, because we don’t want the importance of his story to fade away with the upcoming news cycle.
It’s going to remain relevant for a long time as states continue to battle over gay marriage, and I believe that it’s important to keep discussing LGBT issues in both secular and religious settings. So my goal with the film is to keep the conversation going.
Logan and Sheppard are looking for $75,000 to completely fund the project. Their donations currently stand at $7,129, with 23 days left to go. Would be great to get some PA backers on board. If you’re interested in donating, go here. And check out the informational video below.